High Flyer

This establishment offers a centrally located stay, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's attractions, particularly the magnificent cathedral. Its integrated pub and restaurant provide a convenient and social atmosphere, appealing to a diverse range of guests. The hotel is well-suited for sightseers due to its prime position, allowing easy access to local landmarks. Couples can enjoy a comfortable and convenient getaway, while families and friends will find the accommodating service and on-site dining options beneficial for group stays. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff and the overall comfort of the rooms, though feedback on food quality and certain aspects of room maintenance is mixed. To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to confirm breakfast arrangements upon arrival and to inspect your room for any immediate maintenance concerns.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the convenience of the hotel's location, which includes access to a free car park nearby, though the hotel's own small car park has limited availability. In-room amenities are generally well-received, with guests noting the presence of a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, an ironing board, iron, hair dryer, luggage rack, and a safe, along with ample sockets for devices. Wi-Fi connectivity is available, though some guests reported poor reception in their rooms. The hotel also features an integrated pub and teahouse, providing on-site options for relaxation and refreshments. However, a significant drawback for some guests, especially during warmer periods, was the lack of air conditioning, which made rooms uncomfortably hot.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and comfortable, praising the comfortable beds and the convenience of the en-suite shower room with provided toiletries. However, several recurring issues were noted. Some rooms suffered from a persistent smell of drains or damp, particularly in bathrooms, and general maintenance concerns included loose toilet seats, shower doors that did not close properly, and loose door handles. Guests also reported issues with small windows, some lacking a view or blackout capabilities, and others being notably dirty. Concerns about overall hygiene included dirty TV controllers, cobwebs, and dirty glasses. A significant number of reviews mentioned suspected bed bugs or insect bites, causing considerable discomfort for some. Additionally, some bathrooms lacked heating, shelves in the shower, or sufficient towel rails, and some rooms were not serviced daily.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers various dining options, including a restaurant, bar, and tea room, though the overall feedback on food quality is mixed. While some guests enjoyed delicious and high-quality meals, particularly the carvery and specific dishes like eggs Benedict or creamy garlic mushrooms, others expressed significant disappointment. Breakfast, which is not included in the room rate and often starts late at 8:30 AM, was a common point of contention, with complaints about limited cooked breakfast options, long waits, overcooked items, and hot beverages being charged as extras. Dinner experiences also varied, with issues such as unavailable dishes like lamb shank or rack of ribs, cold steak, and poorly prepared items such as pies, pork belly, and burgers. Desserts were frequently criticized, with examples like apple crumble lacking crumble, Eton mess without meringue, and unappetizing brownie or rice pudding.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of Ely's main attractions. It is conveniently situated just a five-minute walk from the magnificent Ely Cathedral and close to various shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as the river. This makes it an excellent base for exploring the city's tourist sights. While the hotel has a small car park on-site, its capacity is limited. However, guests benefit from a readily available free car park located very close by, which is a significant convenience. The hotel is also accessible from the train station, approximately a twenty-minute walk away, further enhancing its appeal for those relying on public transport.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests reported a warm welcoming upon arrival and appreciated the staff's willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay. Specific mentions include efficient check-in processes and staff being highly accommodating with various requests, such as addressing room issues or dietary needs. The service in the restaurant and bar areas was also frequently commended, with staff being described as considerate and professional, even engaging with younger guests. However, some isolated incidents of less welcoming reception or perceived rudeness between kitchen and front-of-house staff were noted. Overall, the positive interactions with the team significantly contributed to a pleasant guest experience.

Additional Information
Some guests noted a perceived confusion regarding the hotel identity, suggesting it struggles to define itself clearly as solely a hotel, restaurant, or bar. A significant recurring issue highlighted by reviews is the hotel's internal challenges with its management company, which reportedly refuses to authorize necessary repairs, leading to persistent maintenance problems in rooms. Guests should also be aware of the breakfast policy, as it is not included in the room rate, starts late at 10 AM for some bookings, and hot beverages are charged separately. Furthermore, the bar closing early was a point of disappointment for some guests seeking a nightcap. The lack of air conditioning was also a notable concern, particularly during hot weather, making rooms uncomfortably warm.